Free Teina Pora

The Maori Party is disappointed that Teina Pora was denied parole yet again, and say this latest decision by the High Court is another example of injustice in our Justice system.

Dr Pita Sharples, MP for Tamaki Makaurau said “this young man has been the victim of an unjust Justice system for most of his adult life, this latest decision is just another example of bureaucracy at its worst.”

“The Maori Party and indeed many New Zealanders have serious doubts over whether Teina Pora committed the crime for which he was convicted. It’s ridiculous that both the High Court and Court of Appeal say they don’t have jurisdiction to grant parole. If that’s the case, then whose job is it? And why are they not doing it instead of mucking this young man around?”

Te Ururoa Flavell, Maori Party Co-Leader said “it’s bad enough that he has been sitting in prison for all this time when there are serious holes in the evidence that convicted him, and major misgivings about the way the Police treated him during their investigation.”

“We know there is something wrong with this young man remaining in jail, and yet our own system seems to be hamstrung and unable to do anything about it. It’s an embarrassment, and a terrible indictment on our nation.”

Tariana Turia, Maori Party Co-Leader said “It’s no wonder the New Zealand Justice system, and the treatment of Maori in that system has been identified as a major area of concern by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.”

“Frankly, I don’t think the New Zealand public cares whose jurisdiction it is, they just want a bit of actual justice in our Justice system in New Zealand.”

ENDS

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